Word parts
What it means
A tube of cartilage between the throat (pharynxFAIR-inksThe throat: the passage behind the nose and mouth that carries air to the voice box and food to the esophagus.pharyng/o throatFull entry ) and the tracheaTRAY-kee-uhThe windpipe: the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs.Full entry . It holds the vocal cords, which make sound, and the epiglottis, a flap that covers the airway during swallowing so food goes into the esophagus. The Adam's apple is part of its cartilage.
For the nurse
Hoarseness, a change in voice or noisy breathing (stridor) after surgery or a breathing tube can mean swelling of the larynx; report it right away.
At a glance
| Everyday words | voice box |
|---|---|
| Spanish | laringe |
| Also written | laryngeal |
Related terms
stridor
A high-pitched, harsh sound made while breathing, usually heard when breathing in.
trachea
The windpipe: the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs.
airway
The passages that carry air into and out of the lungs, from the nose and mouth to the smallest air tubes.
pharynx
The throat: the passage behind the nose and mouth that carries air to the voice box and food to the esophagus.